Introducing: SETH DAVID DUNAWAY

Seth David Dunaway

Born: Wednesday, December 15th at 8:42am

Stats: 7 lbs. 6 oz. and 21 inches long

We are thrilled to have another little boy in our house. He is so sweet. I love to sit and hold him or lay on the bed next to him and watch him look around. Having a newborn always brings a peaceful sweet spirit to our home and Seth made this Christmas extra special and meaningful.

Labor started weeks before and at each doctor's appointment I was a centimeter further along. I ran at the gym on December 14th and when I got home, I could tell that I just wasn't feeling myself. Luckily, I had a doctor's appointment later that day. At the appointment I was at 4 centimeters, but the doctor still thought I probably had a few days or even a week because I wasn't having steady or even painful contractions.

That night around 11:30, the contractions were 7 minutes apart. I laid down to see if they would stop, but by 1:00am they were 5 minutes apart. Denying that I was in labor and not wanting to inconvenience anyone in the middle of the night, I rationalized that I could make it until morning. At 2:00am, I finally woke Dave to tell him that contractions were 3 minutes apart and I was leaking amniotic fluid. He called our dear, sweet friend to come stay with the boys and we left for the hospital. The normally 30 minute drive to the hospital took us an hour because of the snow and the roads that had yet to be plowed. This was the most excruciating drive of my life. Contractions were now 2 minutes apart and in my back. I feared that I might have to deliver on the side of the road.

We did finally make it and entered through the Emergency Room. Shockingly, no one was there and Dave had to poke around until he found someone to help us. I finally got the long awaited epidural at around 4:00am and then both Dave and I were able to relax. It was important to me that my water break on it's own and that I not be given any pitocin, but rather just let nature take it's course. I snoozed a bit and munched on ice chips and suckers. At around 8:00am I was on the phone with another amazing friend, arranging a ride to Preschool for Porter, when I could tell that I needed to push. 40 minutes later our little Seth said "hello" by screaming his lungs out. He is a beautiful, healthy little baby.

Temple Square

We have a little advent elf with pockets on his suit. I put a paper with an activity written on it in each pocket for the 25 days until Christmas. The boys absolutely love this and the first thing they say in the morning is usually, "Can we see what's in the elf?" All these activities sound like a great idea when I'm planning them in November, but some days I fudge a little when I read the note (the advantages of having kids that can't read yet). Anyway, Thursday's note was to go see the lights on Temple Square and it was Dave's day off, so we headed down. Riding Trax, the new miniature temple in the South Visitor Center and the fire pits at the Gateway were the highlights for the boys. I love all the lights and energy.

A Rarely Documented Moment.

I hate getting my picture taken while I'm pregnant. Honestly, who does? But yesterday, I got a few comments from random strangers:

"When is that little blessing coming?"

"Any day now, huh?"

"Wow, my bag turntable (Walmart cashier) keeps getting stuck on your belly."

So, I decided it was probably time to at least take a few shots.

Gift Giving According to a 3 Year Old

Me: "Caleb, what do you want to give Daddy for Christmas?"

Caleb: "A Batman Castle!"

Me: "Hmmm, I think YOU would like a Batman Castle, but I don't know if Daddy would."

Caleb: "No, I think Daddy would REALLY like a Batman Castle and I don't think he wants to wait until Christmas, so let's give him one today!"

Baby Update

Friday will be my 37 week mark. Yesterday I was at a 3 and 60%. I'm hoping he'll wait at least another week because he's under 5 lbs., but these contractions are getting serious...

Like Father, Like Son

A short time after putting the boys to bed last night, I could hear Caleb yelling at Porter. I went to check on them and the closer I got the angrier Caleb was becoming. As I neared their door, I heard Caleb yell, "STOP MAKING THAT NOISE!" I walked in and Porter was sound asleep. I asked Caleb what was wrong and he sat up in bed and said, "Porter won't stop making that noise!". I realized quickly that Porter was snoring, but I had to ask anyway. "What noise?" Then followed Caleb's hilarious imitation, which consisted of a lot of nose blowing and snorting. After muffling my giggles, I shifted Porter's position and explained to Caleb that if the noise started again to call me.

Our Helpful Elf

Porter made this hilarious elf hat in preschool. He said he needs to wear it when he is helping. So he wore it around the house last night doing little jobs. Here he is grating cheese for dinner. I just laugh when I see this picture because he already has so many impish qualities and characteristics.